Los Angeles Zoo's newest attraction allows guests to interact with hippos

GRIFFITH PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Visitors to the Los Angeles Zoo have always viewed hippos, the third largest land animal known for killing roughly 3,000 people each year, from afar. But on weekends and holidays, it will be possible to get a closer look. Much closer.

A 3,700-pound hippo named Mara loves being petted as does her 15-month-old daughter named Rosie. Both hippos are part of the "Hippo Encounter," a new attraction at the Los Angeles Zoo that allows small groups of visitors to view a hippo family up close for an additional $15.

You can also touch and take a selfie with the hippo during the 20-minute visit. Only adults and children four years and up will be admitted.

"They're known to be very, very aggressive and territorial in the wild. Obviously at the zoo, it's a little different. They're pretty friendly, they're letting us do these wonderful tours here at the zoo," hippo keeper Jennifer Gruenewald said.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lazoo.org/visit/showsandactivities.